Seattle, Ichiro, and the Economics of Baseball
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by user Allonthefield
The Seattle Mariners are about to do for Ichiro Suzuki what they wouldn't for Alex Rodriguez before the 2001 season.
According to some reports, the Mariners are close to signing Suzuki to a five-year extension worth around $100 million.
At $55 million, plus a $13.1 million posting fee, the Mariners have gotten a tremendous bargain for Ichiro's services in the last seven seasons. All he's done is his .333 with 1,482 hits, 732 runs, and 258 stolen bases.
His .994 fielding percentage and 64 outfield assists haven't gone unnoticed, either.
But at 33, is Ichiro worth upwards of $20 million per season for five more seasons?
Yes and no -- but more yes than no.
Ichiro's very best seasons are certainly not in front of him, though with a .359 batting average through the All-Star break, he has proved that he's not running out of gas just yet. Also, given the fact that Ichiro is a singles swatter and not a power hitter, I fully expect him to maintain a .300 plus average until he decides it's time to quit.
The stolen bases and defensive flair will not be around forever, though, and it's strange to think of committing more money to a player in exchange for less production.
But that's where the economics of baseball come in.
Baseball is definitely about winning games and competing for championships, and Ichrio is a big part of the recipe for success. But as the past two seasons so painfully proved, Ichiro cannot do it alone.
What he can do, however, is put butts in the seats, and that is something the Mariners can't live without. The mystery of Ichiro -- his amazing placement of the ball between outfielders, his breathtaking speed, his cannon-like throws, and his enigmatic personality -- keep people coming to Safeco Field.
The intangibles listed above cannot be taught or learned, and that's what makes Ichiro a fan-favorite. It's also what separates Ichiro from A-Rod, who is arguably the more talented all-around player.
Rodriguez's price tag was simply too high for the Mariners, and management felt they had to let him walk. Seattle feels differently about Ichiro, though, and if they have to break the bank to keep him, they will.
And they won't be sorry.
This article is also posted at All on the Field sports blog.
